Reefer 250 build

[ReefingCody]

My tank just arrived! Currently putting together the stand and plumbing, YouTube is going to be my best friend for this next week. This is my first saltwater aquarium, so if anyone has any helpful tips especially for keeping a reef tank in an apartment it would be much appreciated. Thanks guys, I’ll come back with an update soon!

 

[Stealth25]

I just put together a Reefer 350. I labeled all the stand pieces with blue painters tape putting the corresponding number for each piece to make it easier to find while building. Took about 2 hrs but took my time. I just followed the instructions and searched for videos where I needed more info or clarification.

 

[ReefingCody]

Thank you! @Stealth25 The stand wasn’t difficult, just got some trouble adjusting the doors. They don’t seem to close all the way, probably gonna have to do some more adjusting

I have the stand all together now, going to come back to this to start on the plumbing.

 

[Stealth25]

Pop off the metal cover on the hinges and adjust the screw. Do it before u put your sump in. At least my 350 the sump block the bottom hinge from adjustments. One of my doors doesn’t close all the way. That’s the one where the sump is. It’s almost closed but doesn’t bother me. Plumbing it pretty straight forward. Put some plumbers tape on the pipes in the filter box. I had a leak with one of the pipes and had to put plumbers tape on it to stop it!

 

[ReefingCody]

Thanks for the info @Stealth25 It ended being flush after I did that.

Finally got some water in the tank to run a leak check, I’m just using tap water for this. Everything looks good so far. Next step is getting my rodi system set up and aquascaping ! Not sure if my water level is correct In my overflow box, gotta look into that.

 

[MrDLHughesY]

I would move your lights into centre abit more to even the light spread out

 

[Stealth25]

Use the value to adjust the height of water in overflow. Once you get the perfect level just below the 2nd overflow it should be pretty quiet. Sump water level should be right where it just barely overflows in the area for protein skimmer. My pump area is where I can see evaporation as that level drops where the return pump is housed. When I see it get low I add rodi. I don’t use the auto feed tank yet.

 

[Stealth25]

I just finished my cycle after 2 weeks using fritz turbo 900 bacteria in a bottle.

 

[ReefingCody]

I would move your lights into centre abit more to even the light spread out

Made a big difference thank you

 

[ReefingCody]

I just finished my cycle after 2 weeks using fritz turbo 900 bacteria in a bottle.

I plan on doing the same with a pair of clownfish, any reason why you haven’t used the ATO tank?

 

[SPitts6654]

Pop off the metal cover on the hinges and adjust the screw. Do it before u put your sump in. At least my 350 the sump block the bottom hinge from adjustments. One of my doors doesn’t close all the way. That’s the one where the sump is. It’s almost closed but doesn’t bother me. Plumbing it pretty straight forward. Put some plumbers tape on the pipes in the filter box. I had a leak with one of the pipes and had to put plumbers tape on it to stop it!

You shouldn’t need to use tape on these fittings, they are o-ring seals that are not designed for tape like a NPT fitting are. If it’s leaking you should make sure the o-rings aren’t damaged, are properly installed, that there’s noting on the sealing area causing it to leak by and you’re getting them fully seated into the tank fitting.